Management
Revised DHS labor relations rules under scrutiny
Judge questions whether revisions go far enough in providing binding contracts.
Defense
Organizational changes on tap for TSA
Shakeup would include eliminating old positions, creating new ones and possibly changing airport checkpoint procedures.
Defense
Senate committee lifts ethics rule for Defense nominees
The rule, unique to the defense panel, required senior Pentagon officials holding pensions from defense contractors to buy an insurance policy to lock away the value of their benefits.
Defense
FEMA’s decline: an agency's slow slide from grace
Once the poster child for transformation and efficiency, the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s gradual deterioration left it weak and ill-prepared for Katrina.
Management
Impossible Goals
Despite the odds against closing the books in 45 days, financial managers hit the mark.
Defense
Officials fear contracting abuses in wake of Hurricane Katrina
Some say flood of funding, lax oversight and quick contracting creates 'perfect storm' for waste.
Management
GAO: Procurement database unreliable despite upgrade
New system is also difficult to use, auditors find.
Management
Postal Service projects $1.8 billion budget shortfall
Rate increase will not offset shortage, officials say.
Defense
Former FEMA director says agency was gutted
Michael Brown initially blames state and local officials for Hurricane Katrina problems, but concedes under questioning that the federal government also failed.
Management
Demonstration projects find success in personnel reform
Opponents argue that small-scale experiments are not applicable governmentwide.
Management
Postal workers' union criticizes reform bill provisions
Long-time supporter of postal overhaul legislation echoes concerns expressed by Postal Service Board of Governors.
Defense
Tech firms land hurricane work as oversight is urged
Roughly $18 million of the $240 million in hurricane-related contracts has gone to technology companies.
Management
Nearly one-third of Farm Service Agency offices targeted for closure
Last week, Senate amended Agriculture appropriations bill to restrict USDA's authority to close county offices.
Management
Whistleblower protections in limbo
Labor Department weighs whether certain protections apply to federal employees.
Management
White House urged to downplay politics in hunt for procurement chief
Observers say procurement office needs leader known for acquisition expertise.
Defense
Coast Guard official fills leadership void in Katrina relief effort
Vice Adm. Thad Allen seeks to cut red tape, reassure local officials.
Defense
FEMA spending slows, agency cites delays in billings
FEMA is still spending about $300 million per day, and funneling billions of dollars to other agencies.
Management
Senate panel approves special IG to audit Katrina spending
Special inspector general overseeing reconstruction efforts in Iraq also would audit billions in funding for hurricane relief.
Management
Balanced score card tool gains in popularity at civilian agencies
Management technique helps agencies achieve individual goals and meet Bush adminstration targets, creator says.
Management